Head

Head of School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences

£62,163 - £73,992 per annum

Full-time, permanent

Bournemouth (occasional travel to London campus, partner institutions and some international travel may be required) 

About Health Sciences University (HSU) 

HSU is an ambitious, values-led health sciences university shaping the future of education, clinical care, and applied research across Bournemouth, London and beyond. With over 2,000 students and 300 staff, we are a connected, purpose-driven community committed to improving health outcomes and strengthening the health and care workforce. 

Our CQC-registered clinics deliver around 90,000 patient visits each year, giving students unparalleled real-world experience and creating meaningful community impact. Partnership working is central to HSU’s identity - we collaborate closely with the NHS, health and care organisations, professional bodies, employers, and international partners to respond rapidly to workforce needs and shared system priorities.

About the School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) 

The School of HRS is home to a diverse suite of allied health, sport and rehabilitation disciplines, underpinned by more than a century of health-education heritage across HSU’s founding institutions. As the University’s specialist hub for clinical education, rehabilitation sciences, and interprofessional practice, the School plays a vital role in developing the practitioners, clinicians and leaders our health systems need. 

Our programmes span undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship and CPD routes, shaped in partnership with employers, regulators, service-user groups, and clinical partners. With growing research strengths in applied health sciences, rehabilitation innovation, patient experience, and workforce development, HRS has significant potential for expansion in both education and research impact. 

Working collaboratively with NHS trusts, integrated care systems, independent providers, local authorities, and international institutions, the School is deeply connected to healthcare delivery and committed to improving lives through applied learning, clinical excellence and innovation. 

The Role 

This is a rare opportunity to lead a School with real momentum, maturity and strategic significance. 

As Head of HRS, you will: 

• Set the strategic direction and inspire a thriving academic and clinical education community.
• Champion HRS’s ethos of compassion, professionalism, inclusion and real-world impact. Strengthen our role as a leader in allied health and rehabilitation education.
• Expand high-quality, employer-focused programmes across UG, PG, CPD, apprenticeship, clinical education and transnational markets.
• Drive excellence in student experience, academic quality, clinical placements, and regulatory compliance.
• Grow the School’s research, innovation and knowledge-exchange activity.
• Build influential partnerships with NHS, care providers, professional bodies and international collaborators.
• Ensure effective stewardship of people, budgets, and performance, modelling values-based leadership. 

This role demands vision, agility and deep sector insight. You will work closely with senior leaders, Heads of Schools and Professional Services colleagues to translate strategic ambition into operational excellence and outstanding student and graduate outcomes. 

Who We’re Looking For 

This position is ideal for an experienced academic leader who is motivated by impact and energised by possibility. You will understand the changing landscape of health and rehabilitation, and you will be able to translate strategic vision into actions that benefit students, staff, partners and communities. 

You will bring: 

• A successful track record of leadership in higher education, health professions education or clinical/rehabilitation-focused disciplines.
• Experience of programme innovation and portfolio growth across UG, PG, CPD or clinical education routes.
• Deep understanding of UK and international health systems, workforce priorities, regulatory environments and PSRB expectations.
• Proven ability to build strong strategic partnerships (NHS, care sector, regulators, employers, local authorities, international institutions).
• Excellent people leadership, change management capability, and financial acumen.
• A commitment to compassionate leadership, inclusion, student success and evidence-based practice. 

What We Offer 

• The opportunity to shape the future of health and rehabilitation education from a School with strong strategic positioning and exceptional potential for growth.
• A supportive, values-driven university culture with genuine scope to innovate in education, research and enterprise.
• Competitive salary, benefits and professional development opportunities.
• A platform to influence health and care workforce development locally, nationally and globally. 

How to apply 

Please view the job description and person specification here, and then submit your application form, CV and a cover letter addressing how you meet the role requirements via our website https://www.hsu.ac.uk/about/join-us/ 

Closing date: 1st March 2026.

Interviews: 13th March 2026 (in Bournemouth). 

Shortlisting and interviews will follow HSU’s Recruitment Policy and Procedure, with a commitment to fair and transparent selection. 

Informal enquiries are warmly welcomed - please contact Sharon Potter, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Sharon.Potter@hsu.ac.uk to arrange a conversation. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

HSU is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups and are dedicated to accessible recruitment practices in line with our policies. 

We are a committed to having a diverse and inclusive culture which offers equality and opportunity for all. We operate Disability Confident and Mindful Employer schemes and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working. 

We operate a Guaranteed Interview scheme for applicants who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces. 

This post will be subject to an Enhanced/Basic DBS check.